Senior housing in Wilmington geared toward those who have been homeless
A new affordable housing development for seniors who have been homeless officially opened in Wilmington on Monday, Dec. 4, with housing and government officials gathering for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
SagePointe, 1435 Eubank Ave., is a 56-home supportive housing community geared toward those 55 and older who have been unhoused and need supportive services.
There are 55 small (609 square feet, one-bedroom) units. A two-bedroom unit is for on-site managers.
It offers residents opportunities for health services and education, as well as intensive case management services provided by Linc Housing, in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Health Services’ Housing for Health division.
The three-story building includes a community room, laundry facilities, and social and supportive services. It is a block away from the Wilmington Senior Center. It also offers a bicycle room, as many of the residents use bikes for transportation.
Linc Housing is dedicated to providing housing and communities for those underserved by the marketplace, according to the nonprofit’s website.
The Long Beach nonprofit launched in 1984 and is focused on building and preserving affordable housing. Linc opened a new six-story rental development — 456 West — in San Pedro two months ago, but SagePointe is designed specifically for those who have been homeless and need a stable environment with supportive services.
An outdoor park-like area features a covered courtyard, benches, tables and chairs, providing spaces for residents to gather.
Services include mental and physical health counseling, employment counseling and job placement, education, substance abuse counseling, money management, assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits, and referrals to community-based services and resources.
Funding for the development came from a variety of sources, including construction and permanent loans from U.S. Bank, $10.9 million in Measure HHH funds from the City of Los Angeles Housing Department, $1.8 million from the Los Angeles County Development Authority, and tax credit equity from RBC Community Investments. Money from the county’s Measure H is helping pay for the services there.
SagePointe receives a rental subsidy from LA city’s Housing Authority.
Attending Monday’s opening were Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Linc Housing CEO Rebecca Clark and Linc Housing President and Chief Operating Officer Suny Lay Chang.
“This is how we make a difference – with projects like this one that provide people not only a safe home, but the support they need,” Hahn said in a statement. “I am so proud to have Linc Housing projects like this one in cities across my district that have solved homelessness for the people living in them.
“And to all of the new residents of SagePointe, I know that for some of you it was a long, difficult road to this point,” she added. “But I am so grateful that now you are here, surrounded by people who care, in a place of your own. Welcome home.”